“Every April, we mark Paralyzed Veterans of American Awareness Month to recognize the unique challenges facing service members with spinal cord injury or dysfunction.

When our servicemen and women return home, they deserve to live full, rewarding lives. Since being elected to Congress, I have advocated for programs and services that help meet the needs of veterans. From employment assistance to home refurbishment programs, these services empower paralyzed veterans to secure good careers and participate fully in their communities.

I’m especially grateful to the Paralyzed Veterans of America and its 69 years of hard work to make life easier for our injured heroes. I hope to join them, and the people of the Second Congressional District, this month in reflecting on the challenges paralyzed veterans face and the ways in which we can help empower them to succeed. I thank our veterans for the deep sacrifices they’ve made in service to our country. ”

Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) released a “Veterans Resource Guide” for the Second Congressional District. The guidebook provides returning service members and their families with key information about federal, state, and community veterans programs. It can be accessed at http://robinkelly.house.gov/resources/constituent-service-guidebooks.